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Heart of Darkness
In Conrad's Heart of Darkness the author reveals the theme of mans natural inclination toward savagery by using diction and imagery. The author's descriptive detail paints a picture of an unfriendly and dangerous environment populated by uncivilized natives as the party makes its way into the interior of Africa on the Congo River. Throughout the second part of this story Conrad is developing the theme of civilization being left behind as the Jungle grows dark and the party is attacked by native Africans. The men are entering a new world where the rules of the society they know do not apply and the dark side of human nature is being revealed.
Marlow describes the strange world of plants, animals, and silence they encounter as they go up river in these terms, "It was the stillness of an implacable force brooding over an inscrutable intention. It looked at you with a vengeful aspect. I got used to it afterwards; I did not see it...
I believe that in this passage the author is saying that the force of evil is more powerful than good. This evil force is ready to do harm, but because it is ever present, and Marlow is busy trying to navigate the treacherous river, he grows used to being under its shadow.
Conrad discloses the effect of this "implacable force" through an exchange between the manager of the Central Station and his uncle. Marlow happens to overhear their conversation one night outside the boat where he is sleeping. The manager is concerned that Kurtz wants to bring civilization to the natives and take over his position. It is also revealed that another man, a Russian trade is encroaching on Kurtz's territory. "We will not be free of unfair competition until one of these fellows is hanged! & #8230; Anything -- anything can be done in this country" (Conrad 134). In other words might is right when there is no system in place…
Works Cited
Conrad, Joseph. "Heart of Darkness." The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction. Eds R.V. Cassill and Richard Bausch. New York W.W. Norton & Company Inc., 2000, 109-171. Print.
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